Charming, valuable to the right audience, not quite groundbreaking or anything though, so I have to choose 3 instead 4 stars. I do want to consider more by Gownley. ( )

Jimmy Gownley's Amelia Rules series is one of my very favorites. If I stopped to rank the graphic novels series I've read, it would easily fall in the top 5. It's not dark, grim, or scary; in other words, it's nothing like my other favorites. It's funny, moving and it just rings true.
So when I was searching for more in the series, I found this instead, the author's story of how he got started in comics when he was a teenager, told in comic book form.
Amelia Rules fans will love it. I think it will probably appeal to people who haven't read Amelia Rules too. The artwork is appealing, the humor self-deprecating and honest.
Good stuff and a quick read. ( )

a cartoon memoir, for the ages 12-14

Pretty cool -- I liked the biographical aspects, the kid-empowerment parts, and the thoughtful tackling of how to be a good human being. Nicely done and funny. ( )

Graphic novels are tough to compare against books. They are often labeled as immature and for me, any way just don't the weight and depth of a book.

This is Jimmy Gownley's graphic novel memoir and of his pivotal 8th grade - 9th grade years when he was trying to find his legs as a comic book artist. I really like the message in the book of "You're special but not that special."

Any graphic novel that can get a (positive) emotional response from me and make me think has to be pretty good and The Dumbest Idea Ever does just that.
( )

book told through graphic novel form about the author trying to write a graphic novel. why are graphic novels important? Do they even matter? The author and main character Jimmy Gownley seems to think they matter. Good for parents who don't necessarily think that graphic novels mean as much as they do to some kids. ( )

10- Sometimes the dumbest idea ever...isn't!
A great graphic memoir! ( )

Jimmy, a popular 13 year old, has it all--good looks, popular, and a sports star. After falling ill, his life changes and not for the better. Jimmy has a bad idea that ends in changing everything.

The Dumbest Idea Ever! by Jimmy Gownley is a graphic novel style memoir about how the author first discovered comic books and graphic novels, and eventually, how he decided to write them himself.

Jimmmy was having trouble getting excited about school after chicken pox keeps him home during the championship game. With sports out of question and lots of homework to catch up on, he sort of fell apart. Although depression is never mentioned, it seems like something more than just teenage angst or ennui.

Eventually, his out are comic books. Convincing his teachers that they have value is another thing. Comic books and graphic novels (aka "extra thick comic books) are childish and without any literary or educational merit.

Considering I've heard the same sentiments about graphic novels and comic books from educators and parents, I found Jimmy's ongoing campaign to let them be allowed in school fascinating. I'm not saying they should replace all other reading, but I see no problem in including them in school work! ( )

A cute comic about how an artist came to draw and write his own comics at a young age. Great for tweens and teens interested in graphic novels! The art is alright, very cartoon-y but it shows a level of artistic talent that is obtainable for budding artists! ( )

The Dumbest Idea Ever! is a graphic novel from Jimmy Gownley, publishing March 1st from Graphix (an imprint of Scholastic). At 240 pages, it makes for a easy read for reluctant readers, and despite being a graphic novel, both boys and girls will enjoy the story. Based on the author/artist's own life, this is a highly enjoyable novel for readers ages 10-14.

The Dumbest Idea Ever! is funny, true, and honest. Life is hard, and it never goes the way you plan for it go. This is a book that teaches readers that even when things don't go your way (you get sick, you miss your big game, you miss your chance with something, etc), that life has other plans for you; bigger and better plans. Eventually, things work out.

Readers can also learn about ways to deal with stress, frustration, and difficult situations. For Jimmy, and a lot of other kids, a creative outlet is often very effective. And for some (again, like Jimmy), this creative outlet might even be your true calling. Writing a comic book because it makes you happy, might lead you to what you're ultimately meant to do — become a writer! You never know what the universe is trying to tell you, so don't give up on the things you love just because other people think it's dumb. If you love it, it's worth something.

An inspiring, funny, highly relatable, and undeniably enjoyable book!

4 Stars ( )